The children's mother, Kelli Ward, was returning home when she saw the fire. She broke a window and tried to get in, but the smoke was too heavy.

Crews arrived at the Fountain County home to find heavy fire showing. Ward shouted to firefighters that her children were trapped. Firefighters tried to make entry twice but were driven back by the fire.

Lance Ward was found holding his 18-month-old daughter, Sage, in his arms, with the family's two dogs surrounding them. Three-year-old Ryleigh Ward's body was found in her room. The three family members, along with the two dogs, died in the fire.